The Hazel Green herald. [volume] (Hazel Green, Wolfe County, Ky.) 1885-19??, 1887-11-18

! ut Crawford, and pointed down toward
the cabin. Crawford shook his head.
Without u word, each understood and
consented. To seek the shelter of the
cabin would be To put themselves al
the mercy of the mutineers, like rats
in trap.
A man suddenly appeared above the
deck from the forehold--or rather, his
head was at first elevated above it, and
his hand waved white handkerchief.
"Ive got a proposition to make to
you, on the part OF the crew. If you'll
promise to hold your pistols off I'll
come out and talk with YOU"
The voice was that of Louis Hunter.
Captain Willis heard it, and ground
his teeth with rage.
Come" was all he could say.
"But you won't shootP"
"If you arc brief-no.
Hunter reached the deck, and came
hesitatingly aft.
Haltw the Captain cried, when
he was about a rod away; "what dye
want?"
I'D like first to explain myself"
said the renegade. I'D like to have
you understand that what I've done
has been under compulsion, and only
because l was threatened with death.
l want to mediate between you and
the crew l believe can save your
lives; at least, know what they are
willing to do. I'll befricnd you if
you'll let me-"
You are an infamous liar. rs well
rs q damnable traitor" the Captain
exclaimed. III ever n man would be
justified in breaking his word, should
be now, with such fiendish scoun-
drel as you are. / don't know what it
is keeps me from putting q ball
through you"
Hunter turned very pale, and fell
back Il step.
But you are safe for the moment
what do you want?"
1.-The crew say they will have the
ship. l suppose they want to plumber
her; they know You have gold in your
cabin. They couldn't agree about
sailing her, or you'd I'LL been killed in
the night, and the ship taken down to
the Isle of Pines. They say that if
you'll give up your pistols, you shall
be safely put ashore"
Captain Willis exchanged n few
words with Crawford. while the rene
gadc continued his talk:
I'D advise you to do it. You've
got firearms, it is true; but they'll do
you little good in close quarters. The
crew are desperate; you need not look
for the slightest quarter if you decline
their terms. You may Kill one or two
of them; but your fate is certain.
What do you say? just hand over
your pistols to me, and I'll tell them
you have yielded"
"Answcr him." the Captain said. in
a low tone to Crawford IL can't COM
mand myself to do it. l should GER
tainly shoot him before | said ten
words"
"Your terms arc declined, SIR" said
Crawford. I'VE are all agreed that
not the slightest trust can be placed in
the crew-and still less in yourself
We expect to die; but we prefer to die
like brave men, fighting for our lives,
rather than give up our arms and be
butchcrcd the next moment. If any
of you think that Captain Willis
would give up his ship to lot of mu-
tineers while there was breath in his
body, then you don't know the man.
This parley has lasted long cno1Sh; send
on your cut-throats, and Wen meet
them. Though we never expect to see
you where there's any danger"
A hoarsc murmur, mingled with
shouts, came up from the hold.
IL care little for your snccrs," said
Hunter. "You are in desperate posi-
ton, and you might save yourselves if
you would be advised by me; but if
You won't, your blood be upon your
own heads. You hear those cries?
suspect that means that the crew have
got at n cask of rum down there. and
are printing themselves for their work.
For the last time-will you surrcndcr?'
Back with youm Numbered the
Captain. MY patience is exhausted;
I'll have no more party with such as
you"
He cooked his revolver and laid il
across his arm.
Louis Hunter heard the alarming
click, and tarricd no longer, Hurry
ing forward, he ran down the ladder
and disappeared.